The Cincinnati Bengals have been on the lookout for players who can contribute in multiple ways, and rookie Jalen Rivers has caught the attention of coaches with his ability to play both guard and left tackle.
Player Profile
- Name: Jalen Rivers
- Height: 6-foot-4
- Weight: 310 pounds
- College: University of Florida
Rivers has been working at both positions during training camp and expressed his comfort in playing either spot.
"I’m just trying to learn as much as I can," Rivers said. "I’m not worried about which one I’m playing. I just want to be able to help the team."
Importance of Versatility
Rivers’ versatility is a significant asset for the Bengals, especially given their recent struggles with depth on the offensive line. Having a player capable of filling multiple roles can help alleviate some of those concerns.
Coach Zac Taylor emphasized the importance of versatility in the team’s strategy:
"We’re always looking for guys who can play more than one position. Jalen’s got that ability."
Draft and Training Camp Performance
Rivers was drafted by the Bengals in the fifth round of this year’s draft after starting all 13 games at left tackle for Florida last season. He also played guard during his time at UF.
Taylor noted that while Rivers has shown promise during training camp, he still has areas to improve before he’s ready to start:
"He’s got some things he needs to work on. But we like what we see from him so far."
The Bengals are expected to finalize their starting five-man offensive line soon after completing their preseason schedule against Atlanta on August 26th.
Athleticism and Future Potential
In addition to his versatility, Rivers’ athleticism is another reason why coaches are optimistic about his potential.
"He moves well," Taylor commented on Rivers’ athleticism compared to other linemen in the league.
Taylor added that while there are many good linemen currently, the key is how they are utilized:
"Guys like Jalen make us better because they give us options."
While it remains uncertain whether Rivers will start this season, one thing is clear: his future looks bright.
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